Patter Places — Le Corbusier’s Maison La Roche
Words by Abigail Corbett
Discover this incredible home designed by modernist architect Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret in 1925, captured for today by Parisian photographer Romain Laprade.
Walking around the suburban neighbourhood of Jasmin, it’s as if someone has courteously turned down the Parisian city noise and slowed the traffic. Postcard renaissance buildings are off-set by modernist architecture, each one unique and captivating. A short, signposted walk from the metro brings you to the location of Le Corbusier’s Maison La Roche. As a fan, it’s difficult not to feel star struck at this point, as you descend towards this pioneering house.
Visiting on a Tuesday allows for the English tour, taking you through the house in an order purposely designed by Le Corbusier. Air, light and nature dominate the space, pleasantly confusing interior and exterior parts. The calm interior palette shows playful variety, with the main living space using up to 8 different colours. This concept is continued with proportions, as spaces transcend from big to small. The tour ends with a trip to the impressive rooftop terrace – an area of the house La Roche lost to his neighbour as she insisted on sunbathing nude during the summer months.
Abigail Corbett is a fashion and culture writer living in North London. She works for Margaret Howell and has contributed to publications including The Huffington Post and Hypebae.